Hot Music & Instruments How-Tos
How To: Map a Korg nano series MIDI controller in Ableton Live 7
Ableton Live 7 is so popular mostly because it is easy to use on the fly, but it's still complex like everything else in electronic music. Watch this video to learn how to map a MIDI controller (in this case a Korg nano-series) in Ableton Live 7
How To: Play an easy 4-chord version of "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay
"Viva la Vida" continued the staggering string of hits from Coldplay in 2008, and is a really fun song to play on almost any instrument. In this video you'll learn how to play a cover of it on solo piano, which Chris Martin would certainly appreciate.
How To: Create a Roland TB-303 synth sound with a patch on a MicroKorg
The Roland TB-303 should be a part of every electronic musicians arsenal, but cannot be because of it's scarcity. If you have a MicroKorg, however, you can make a patch that provides a decent approximation of the 303 sound, and this video will teach you how to program it.
How To: Play a church organ sound on a MicroKorg synthesizer / vocoder
Church organs are big, ungainly, expensive instruments. The MicroKorg is comparatively tiny and cheap. Why not use the synthesizer to simulate the organ? Watch this video to learn how to program a patch for a realistic church organ sound on a MicroKorg synth.
How To: Play "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder on the ukulele
Want to play "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing "Sir Duke" on your own uke, watch this vid...
How To: Play "Swinging on a Star" on the ukulele
Want to play "Swinging on a Star" on your ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulele Mike, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and its chords. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more inform...
How To: Play "When You Wish Upon a Star" on the ukulele
Want to play "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Walt Disney's Pinocchio on your ukulele? See how it's done with this free video ukulele lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the ukulele, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "When You Wish Upon a Star" on your own ukulele, take a look!
How To: Use a sidechain gate on synths & drums in Ableton
In this video, we learn how to use a sidechain gate on synths & drums in Ableton. First, drag a gate device onto your synth track. This will turn down the volume of the synthesizer device very quickly. Once you do this, you will have a sidechain view, turn it on by clicking the green button. Then, bring the attack down to 0 ms and bring your hold down to 3.9 ms. When this plays, you will hear an electronica type of beat. This is a simple way to make your synth lines more exciting. Save this w...
How To: Play "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson on acoustic guitar
In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson on acoustic guitar. Start off with playing the intro to the song. Make sure you are playing the right chords and your fingers are on the right frets. As you continue, you will start to play the middle of the song and all of the verses that are in the song. Make sure you pay attention to the highs and lows of the song, as well as where the stops to the song are. After you do this, you will be able to play this song through wi...
How To: Play Johnny Cash-style country rhythm guitar
Even if you're a metal head or a shredder, you can't deny how cool it is when a good ol' country picker gets up there and rips it up! Johnny Cash was one of the few modern Country singers who brought electrified country into the mainstream for his time. If you're looking to add a few country-fried licks to your arsenal and learn how to do some basic country guitar, check out this video lesson! You will learn how to alternate between the root and fifth of the chord to simulate the bass, as wel...
How To: Use effects automation in Garageband
In this video, Nick teaches us how to use effects automation in Garageband. Any effects you use on your track will allow you to change the effects over time if you change how you want it. First, load up your track and loop it up by clicking on the loop button. Once finished, load up effects so you can automate them later. Hit the "i" button, then go to the details tab on the bottom. Now, change the effects you would like for automation. For the first one, go with the "au" filter, then for the...
How To: Adjust the spring tension on a Tremolo
In this video, we learn how to adjust the spring tension on a Tremolo. First, find the strings in the back that are parallel to the body of the guitar. Then, unlock the nut and set the fine tuners so you have maximum range of adjustment. Start to twist the tuners at the bottom of the guitar until the tension on the strings is enough for you to play correctly. Then, go to the back of the guitar and adjust the crimp screws that are along it. When finished with tightening your guitar, test it ou...
How To: Play "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John
In this video, we learn how to play "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John. Start out with A, E, C. Next, go to the G and then to the A. After this, go to B, A, A, sharp, and D. After this, you will have started to do the intro to the song. You will be playing with your right hand during this. Next, you will trip again and go to A, A sharp, B, A sharp, G, E, then finally to the G in the new measure. Continue to play until you reach the end of the song. You will go through all the different keys ...
How To: Play open and closed chords on the piano
Open chords are pretty simple to understand. They're basically notes in a chord that you don't play or finger.
How To: Play "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson on the ukulele
If you're an advanced ukulele player who's played what seems like every song out there, then get ready for a challenge like none your dexterous fingers have ever faced.
How To: Play "Break Even" by The Script on the ukulele
Indie band The Script went from fledging, unknown band to Billboard 100 and massive concert sellouts after releasing their first big hit, "Break Even." A bittersweet message paired with strong guitar riffs and vocal stylization, "Break Even" captured the hearts of teenage girls everywhere.
How To: Rosin your erhu bow
You can easily rosin your erhu bow. To do this first take the cake of rosin and rub it back and forth on the one part of the bow until you get rosin powder on the hair of the bow. Now go the next part of the bow and do
How To: Play and record a virtual instrument in Studio One
You can play and record a virtual instrument using studio one. You can also add new part to any song you want.
How To: Build a home recording studio
In order to build your very own home studio, you'll need the following: a microphone, drafting tools, paper, contractors, the Internet, and recording equipment.
How To: Play country rhythm guitar patterns
In this video, we learn how to play country rhythm guitar patterns. The sound will have a little bit of a bass pickup when you play it to get a country sound. First, hold down an open G chord and on beat one pick the first string. Continue to move the pick down the strings and move back up. As you go, you will move slowly and keep the same noise of the strings as you go around. This will take a little bit of practice, but is a great exercise to get the right country sound for the guitar pattern.
How To: Play Guy's "Let's Chill" on piano
In this video, we learn how to play Guy's "Let's Chill" on piano. This is a smooth song written in F minor. The first chord is a D flat major 7, then F, A flat C, A flat, then C. Continue on to play a suspended chord, then an F flat, E flat, F flat, then regular F flat minor. Continue to play through this until you have the introduction finished. Once this is done, continue on through the rest of the song with the same chords throughout the song. In time, the song will come together and the e...
How To: Play "Let My Love Open the Door" by Pete Townshend
In this tutorial, we learn how to play "Let My Love Open the Door" by Pete Townshend. The intro will start out with G, D, C, repeated until you start D, G, D. After this, you will start to add in the words to the song with G, D, C for the different words in the first sentence. These are the main chords in the song, making it pretty easy for a beginner to learn how to do. Practice learning how to do these few chords, then you will be able fit the lyrics in and get the right strum pattern in th...
How To: Play "Through the Glass" by Stonesour on guitar
In this video, we learn how to play "Through the Glass" by Stonesour on guitar. You will need to tune your guitar with E flat tuning to play this song correctly. The intro will be the chords: e, B, G, D, A and E, then repeat once more. Once you finish the intro, move onto the verse, which is: e, B, G, D, A, and E. These are the basic chords that you will use throughout the entire song as you play. You will need to change the chords to play higher or lower depending on the part of the song you...
How To: Attach guzheng nails onto your fingers
In this video, we learn how to attach guzheng nails onto your fingers. You will need: set of 4 guzhen nails and surgical tape to do this. First, place the nail on the underside of your finger with the tip protruding. Next, take a strip of surgical take and stick it onto the nail at one end, then roll over your finger. The tape should go over your finger 2.5 times. Make sure the tape isn't too loose or tight, and that it's just right around the finger. Repeat this process on all of the nails, ...
How To: Play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on ukelele
The ukelele is a great little instrument that is easy to learn, sounds good, and is portable. How much better could it be? They work especially well for covering pop songs, since they're very simple and catchy, which is the essence of the ukelele. This video will teach you how to play the hit song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on ukelele.
How To: Fret and play an A sharp or B flat note on bass guitar
In this bass guitar lesson for beginners, you'll learn how to fret and play an A sharp or B flat. Regardless of your preferred style of music, if you want to be great, you'll need your head and hands on the same page. And there's no better way to get your head and hands on the same page than to practice. Happily, the Internet is awash in video tutorials like this one. For more information, and to get started playing this note yourself, watch this free video lesson for beginning bassists.
How To: Do deep screams and pig squeals in metal singing
In this video, we learn how to do deep screams in metal singing. You will take a high note and add to it by pushing your throat. This is like doing the vocal fry method. After you keep practicing, this will become a guttural scream. Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth and shape your mouth into a fish shape. Let the air flow steadily and the noise will come out really deep and out of your guts. This may take you several days or weeks to do, but don't give up easily! Once you get the scre...
How To: Play the bass line to "Parklife" by Blur
With learning any instrument, often the hardest part to gaining any fluency is being able to bend your fingers to stretch out even to the furthest notes and do so with finesse. So if you wish to become a famous bass player in a rock band, one of the best things you can do to help with finger fluency is simply practicing a few drills.
How To: Play the Super Mario Bros "Game Over" theme on ukelele
Want to play the "Game Over" and "Lost Life" themes from Nintendo's Super Mario Brothers? See how it's done with this free video ukulele lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song and it chords. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the guitar, players of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing this video game song on your own ukulele, watch this video t...
How To: Tune the three strings of any treble note on a piano
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tune a piano. Begin by placing a rubber tuning wedge in between to mute the two outer strings. Then tune the middle sting with a piano tuning hammer. Tune it to a strobe tuner or using intervals from already tuned strings. Now mute the right string and tune the left string. Use the middle string as reference. Then mute the left string and tune the right string. This video will benefit those viewers who have a piano, and would like to learn how to t...
How To: Play "The Chicken Dance" on the accordion
Interested in playing "The Chicken Dance" on your accordion? See how it's done with this free video accordion lesson, which presents a complete breakdown of the song. While this tutorial is geared toward those who already have some knowledge of the accordion, accordionists of all skill level should be able to follow along given adequate time and effort. For more information, and to get started playing "The Chicken Dance" on your own squeezebox, take a look!
How To: Play "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey on the piano
Want to know how to perform Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" on your piano or keyboard? Learn how with this free video piano lesson. While this tutorial is best suited for intermediate players, pianists of all skill levels can play along given a little sticktoitiveness. For more information, and to get started playing this song on your own keyboard instrument, watch this how-to!
How To: Play lead guitar licks like Angus Young from AC/DC
Angus Young of AC/DC is one of the true icons of rock guitar, both for his style on stage and for his amazingly simple but awesome-sounding blues rock licks. This video teaches you how to play six very cool such licks on electric guitar (did you think you were going to play Angus on acoustic? Come on.) quickly and easily. It breaks the licks down at low speed so that you can practice, practice, practice them until, even as a novice guitar player, you end up shredding just like the legend hims...
How To: Play "The Penalty" by Beirut on the ukulele
Want to play Beirut's "The Penalty" on the ukulele? Learn how with this free video ukulele lesson from Ukulala. Whether you play the ukulele or bass kazoo, there is no better way to improve your chops than by learning to play your favorite songs. Not only is it more fun and much easier than running drills or memorizing a chord book by wrote, it's obviously also a wonderful way to build your repertory of songs. For more information, and to get started playing this indie folk song on your own u...
How To: Use Merle Travis-style picking on the ukulele
There's no getting around it: if you want to get good at playing the ukulele or any other instrument, you'll need to practice. Fortunately, the Internet is awash in free, high-quality uke lessons, like this one from YouTube's preeminent tropical tutor, Ukulele Mike. This particular tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of how to use Merle Travis picking on the ukulele. For more information, and to get started Travis pickin' your own uke, watch this helpful how-to.
How To: Play a Bo Diddley beat on the ukulele
This how to video shows you how to play the Bo Diddley beat on a ukulele. You will need a tuned ukulele and basic knowledge of chords to do this. First, form a D chord. That is, place your fingers so that the first string first fret, second string first fret, third string second fret, and fourth string third fret are pressed. Use your right hand go up and down. Do not place your fingers all the way on to the fret. Only press down at the right times to create the beat. You will be making muted...
How To: Whistle loudly using only 2 fingers
Carla Simian demonstrates how to whistle loudly using only two fingers. Whistling with two fingers is an easy way to get the attention of people who are far away from you. Whistling with two fingers is easy with a few simple steps and some practice. First, fold your tongue backwards so it presses against the bottom teeth. Make two fingers in the shape of a V and place them on your tongue. Next, put your lips tight around your fingers and blow. Adjusting the angle and the depth of your fingers...
How To: Play "twinkle, twinkle, little star" on the piano
If you want to play 'Twinkle, Twinkle little Star' on the piano you should first start on the note D. You should play the notes going up the scale to find that next work that matches the tone of when you sing it. When you find it, that interval is a fifth. Then, the song goes back down again in steps. Your melody will work in the scale of the notes that you have just played. There are three parts to the whole song that you should learn. You will use all the notes found in the D Major scale. N...
How To: Put strings on an electric guitar
In this how-to video, you will learn how to change your guitar strings. This is essential in learning how to maintain your guitar. Make sure you roll up your used guitar strings and throw them away in the trash. Unwrap the new strings. The string bag should have a label of what string it is. Put the correct string through the end of the hole in the back of the guitar. It should come out the other side. Pull it through and make sure the end of the string with the ball stops the string from goi...
How To: Play the "Howl's Moving Castle" theme on the accordion
If you want to play the Howl's Moving Castle theme on accordion you first need to play on the right hand D, G, B flat, D or G minor and on the left hand you press the C minor then go D 7 and G minor. Then it goes C minor, F and B flat. Next play D minor, E minor, A7, D minor, then C, B flat and A 7. B flat to A 7 is a pretty large jump so you may need to practice. So again you repeat C minor, D7 and G minor. Then C minor, F and Flat. Next play D minor, E minor, A7, D minor, C, B flat and then...